The outback drama, Japanese Story, has been the big winner at the Australian Film and Television Awards in Melbourne, winning eight AFIs, including best film.

The film also took out Best Direction for Sue Brooks, Best Cinematography for Ian Baker and Best Actress for Toni Collette.

Japanese Story eclipsed the comedy, Gettin' Square, which went into the awards with a record-equalling 14 nominations and came away with one award - Best Actor for David Wenham's role as junkie, Johnny Spiteri.

The ABC television drama MDA won three AFI Awards and Grass Roots won two.

Capping criticism

Acceptance speeches by Australia's leading film makers and actors have been peppered with attacks aimed at Government negotiations on local content laws with the United States.

In securing a free trade agreement with the US, the industry fears the Government will cap local content rules that 55 per cent must be Australian and agree to a reduction in local content of new media.

Toni Collette said she wanted to see Australian culture remain intact.

"It's so sad what's going on," she said.

"I just beg you Mr John Howard to see straight and not jeopardise out cultural future."

David Wenham expressed fear that Australia could be trading in its unique culture with the free trade negotiations.

"I do hope that the Australian culture has been championed in the current negotiations with the US, so that our voices, our character and our unique stories continue to be heard... for all generations to come," he said.

"The only way that's going to be achieved is if culture - that thing that defines us being Australians - is taken off the negotiating table.

Best Supporting Actress has gone to Sacha Horler for Travelling Light.

She used her acceptance speech to push for more Australian TV and film content.

"My parents started the Nimrod theatre in 1970, [it] was all about hearing Australian voices not English voices," she said.

"And I feel that at 32 years of age it is the same fight, I want to look around when I have kids and say my kids are seeing Australian stories, hearing Australian voices, and being proud to see their stories up there."